Texas Rangers Blog

Bullpen attrition continues; Uehara to DL

The Texas Rangers lost another piece of their season-opening bullpen on Thursday when right-hander Koji Uehara went on the disabled list because of a strained shoulder muscle.

Two other relievers, right-handers Scott Feldman and Alexi Ogando, went into the rotation in the last month because of injuries. Ogando moved to the disabled list on Monday because of a strained right groin.

Manager Ron Washington said left-hander Robbie Ross and right-hander Mark Lowe will have added responsibilities in the re-arranged bullpen. Both will be used in the sixth and seventh innings to get leads to setup man Mike Adams and closer Joe Nathan.

“Our bullpen is in good shape,” Washington said. “We’re going to miss Uehara. We’re going to miss Ogando being down there. This gives Robbie Ross and Mark Lowe a chance to step up a little more, and I do believe they will.”

Uehara, speaking through an interpreter, said he incurred the injury while pitching on Saturday at San Francisco. Uehara expressed frustration at being injured when in the midst of a good stretch. He had allowed only three runs and nine hits with 15 strikeouts in his last 17 1/3 innings.